Homestead Overlook

Homestead Overlook is a roadside viewpoint on the Badlands Loop Road in the heart of Badlands National Park. This overlook is one of the quieter stops on the drive and highlights the meeting of two landscapes. Right below it the eroded Badlands ridges fall away in bands of red and buff rock, then the land opens into the rich green and gold prairie of the White River Valley. That contrast between jagged rock and soft open grassland is breathtaking here. Plus it gives you an amazing sense of depth from the ridges in front to the flat country stretching out into the horizon. The overlook faces roughly to the south so low light early or late in the day spreads across the ridges and brings out their rich colours, while the harsher midday light tends to flatten everything out. The skies can add richness to your compositions, especially when there is a building storm or a brightly coloured sunrise overhead. Keep an eye on the grassland below for bighorn sheep or other animals, if you are lucky you might get the chance to add some wildlife to your scene. This overlook is easily accessible at the end of a short boardwalk with lots of parking right, and aside from the park entry fee there is nothing more to pay. This is the ideal place to slow down for a few shots in between exploring the busier overlooks of the park. (Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA)